There are so many stories that have touched me over time, but I don't think I've ever been as surprised by the revelations in an interview as much as I was with Hye-Jung's ("Kelly") story/situation. (you can search up videos by name if you would like to watch).

Unfortunately, Kelly has since passed away, but I visit her video every now and then to sit with her and think about how no matter who we are, where we come from, what is expected from us- we are all the consequences of our actions, the results of our choices, good or bad, no one is better than anyone else- just different.

Do you have a video that you revisit sometimes or a story that has touched you in a certain way? Any of Mark's subjects on here that you feel you love, even though you have never met?

I'm grateful to the SWU community, and to Mark for bringing these stories of the human experience into the light.
My favorite thing to remind people of is that there are 7.6 billion different ways to live (literally). No good, no bad, only different.

These stories are all so intense that I've found myself going to Mark's FB page to look at his flowers and snakes, which are such peaceful works of art. Mark himself is a multi layered artist and as an artist myself, I think that seeing how he turns objects into art gives me more perspective in terms of Mark's ability to see what the rest of us may not notice. Which is the whole point of SWU, but gives us a visceral sense of his ability to peel back the onion layers, seeing the ugliness and the beauty at once. Watching an artist evolve is a thing of beauty.

Thank you, Sharona. I just purchased Sea. I'll have to plant a seed or two for the snake book as a Christmas present. I love snakes! Good thing, too, as there are lots where we live in the foothills of the Appalachians in NC. We have more Copperheads than people, lol.

I did read about the snake bite. And a photo of it, too...wow! I'm from NYC so I've enjoyed seeing the addition of interviews from there. I've lived all over the USA, actually, and love the cultural differences.

Hello All, I have to say that all are captivating but I related to tiny and veronica thomas. Its weird because I too grew up in some terrible conditions, started off sex working, and with early intervention ended up living a "square" life. The trauma is still there and even in my happy settings, I still deal with their emotions and issues.

I did! The photos are stunning! I keep looking at it over and over again - WOW!

Andre, the Russian who joined a Mexican gang. He lived such a tragic style, yet still had the capacity for such love that he spent much of the interview crying over a lost love.

Sort of off topic, but I would love if Mark would publish a book featuring the portraits he takes on his channel along with a vignette from their interview.

Hi Everyone! I’m really happy to see some familiar names from Patreon now over on Mark’s website. Mark and the people he interviews deserve ALL proceeds of this supportive network.

The person on this channel I often think of is, Kevin. If you look through the comments on his YouTube videos, you’ll see how many people claim to know, love, and respect him. I know everyone is important, but I couldn’t help but feel like he has such a hard battle between who he was and who he has become. I really hope for a happy update from him.

Another stand out person is Matthew Drake. I could tell how badly he wanted to change, despite claiming to be a “functioning addict”. I was happy to see he’s trying to save his life by getting sober. I also have a soft spot in my heart for anyone from the Bay Area trying to be better :)

Alejandro, the ex-gang member who grew up in Guatemala was the most surprising. Sounds really tough over there.